Headgear for patient interface

Abstract

An interface includes a mask. The mask includes a frame and a seal supported by the frame. Headgear is connected to the mask. The interface includes at least one of (i) an adjustment mechanism that can be set to a use length for a loop defined by the mask and the headgear; and (2) a break-fit assembly that can selectively lengthen the loop defined by the mask and the headgear and return to the use length.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An interface assembly for use in providing a breathing treatment, the interface assembly comprising:
 a mask comprising a frame and a seal supported by the frame; 
 a headgear connected to the mask; and 
 a break-fit assembly configured to selectively lengthen a loop defined by the mask and the headgear when a predetermined force has been exceeded and return the loop to a use length when the predetermined force has not been exceeded; 
 wherein the break-fit assembly comprises a magnetic coupling that resists elongation from a first length to a second length until a force is applied that exceeds a predetermined force, wherein the magnetic coupling comprises two magnetic members, wherein a flexible sheath envelopes the two magnetic members, and wherein stretching of the flexible sheath upon movement of the two magnetic members away from each other establishes a restoration force that acts to return the two magnetic members toward each other for reconnection. 
 
     
     
       2. The interface assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the headgear is substantially non-stretch. 
     
     
       3. The interface assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the break-fit assembly is positioned between the frame and the headgear. 
     
     
       4. The interface assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the headgear comprises a generally inelastic portion. 
     
     
       5. The interface assembly of  claim 4 , wherein two break-fit assemblies connect the generally inelastic portion to the frame. 
     
     
       6. The interface assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the two magnetic members are fixed axially within the flexible sheath. 
     
     
       7. The interface assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the two magnetic members exert a coupling force of greater than about 4 N. 
     
     
       8. The interface assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the predetermined force is greater than a maximum force created by pressurized breathing gases within the interface assembly in use.